problems with walking

[kuritsa18]

Hi everyone!

I am having problems with walking my dog. When I walk her she just pulls and pulls and goes all over the place. I thought she would grow out of it or needed to be trained to walk properly but it seems what ever I do she doesn't really improve; it will get better at first and then go back to the same pulling.

She is 85 pounds so it's not so fun trying to walk her and I have almost given up since my hands get so sore after from holding onto the leash!

Here is what I have tried:
- Regular collar, but she ends up choking herself.
- harness, worked at first and then she got used to it, really good at making them slow down/ adjusting their body, but not good control when she gets excited and starts jumping around and no head control for when she tries to sniff stuff and gets distracted.
- leash as a choke collar (saw it on tv), only choked herself.
- shortening the leash, still pulls on collar and harness.
- rewarding for walking good, no affect.

Does anyone have any suggestions, advice or comments on what worked for them? did or does anyone have the same problem?

Thanks!

[Angie]

Hi there,
A quick suggestion: try a head collar (the best-known ones are marketed under the names "Gentle Leader" and "Halti").
These head collars were originally designed for runners to use on populated trails, to keep their dogs from drifting into the way of others, so they work equally well on city streets, or any time you're walking your dog and don't feel like putting up with tugging/lingering behind. Most dogs pick up how to walk "properly" on the leash after just a few tries with the Gentle Leader - I've been able to revert to a normal neck-collar in a month or two with all my dogs.
The Gentle Leader/Halti is essentially a bridle (like what goes on a horse) for your dog, and it really makes a HUGE difference in how easily you can direct your dog's direction.
It's made up of two straps, one of which goes around the base of the muzzle, and the other goes behind the head.
Because the collar controls the direction of your dog's head, rather than a traditional collar which just tugs on the muscular part of the neck, you can redirect your dog with almost no effort at all - and they quickly learn not to tug.
Your dog can still eat, drink, bark, and smile (as in, this is not a muzzle by any stretch of the imagination). I'd recommend giving one a shot - they're relatively inexpensive, and can be bought from petstores and vet clinics.
Hope this helps
- Angie

[kuritsa18]

I think I tried one of those in the pet store and she just twisted around and actually pulled out of the harness. She hated that thing and was feaking out and trying to get off which she did. The one I tried didn't really fit around her head that well and she pulled out of it pretty easily.

I'll try looking for a different kind though

[Muggsmom]

I have had this problem with Muggs. I use a head halter, but he is all muscle so he still forges ahead. So when he starts to pull, I stop dead. I don't move until he backs up and the leash slackens, then we continue. He is getting SSOOOO much better now. At the beginning he would continue to pull, so I turned in the other direction. He DID NOT like that, whining and yawning (frustration). I rarely have to do that anymore, he's learning. fAnd I only have to stop a few times now, at the beginning of our walks. Maybe he thinks I've forgotten and will let him pull, LOL.

Good luck!

[herediachar]

Who is in control is important here. Right now the dog thinks he is the alpha dog. Start letting her know who is in charge by insisting on...When you go in and out of the house you go first. Accomplish this and I feel all things start falling into place. Then with a stick-to-it persistence from you the Gentle Leader will eventually do the trick. Also have you ever thought of clicker training. Large dogs that have a stubborn streak do well and it causes no physical pain from pulling and tugging and no harsh words or commands are needed from you. I have several friends that use this training method. I have thought about ordering one myself. I even think my dogs would enjoy this...always looking for something to spark their interest to learn more...

[Brandis mom]

Maybe she needs some encouragement to walk next to you. Do you treat her for being quiet at your side or do you just expect her to do that? Try carrying treats and reinforcing her being by your side and walking sedately. When she pulls ahead stop and wait for her to make eye contact with you and then treat her for it. She is not connecting with you if she's pulling and going all over the place as you say. When she has made the eye contact put her back in the heel position, treat her and start over again. It may take several times for her to get the idea that she will be "paid" for being a polite walker.....

We often forget that if you reward "good" behavior the dog will respond by doing that behavior. When we ignore a behavior whether good or bad it will go away.

Brandi and Judy

[kuritsa18]

We have started working with a trainer on the walking and have seen improvements so far. It is difficult for me though becasue she is so big and strong. I also think it is because she has a lot of energy and can become hyper easily so she gets over excited very fast. She is usually very obedient with me so it is just the walking that causes trouble. I always go first and make her wait and go behind me in the house. I haven't tried clicker training and am not familiar with it. I think I am just going to see how the work with the trainer goes first. Thanks for all of the suggestion!

[kuritsa18]

Hello!

Thanks for all of the suggesstions!

The training is going really well. Mika has improved soooo much! I am able to take her for walks and be in control and not have her pull; she actually walks beside me now We both enjoy the walks now that it isn't so stressful or painfull on my hands! It has actually made her a lot more calm too when we walk. If any one is having the same problem take your dog to a trainer so they can show you the propper technique because it really helped me!

[MsVee]

^^^^

Did the trainer use any of the suggestions in this thread or something not mentioned ? If it wasn't mentioned, would I be able to ask what it was that the trainer did to help you overcome this problem?

[glaiza]

That's great Kuritsa. Just remember to keep up what the training has taught you and your dog. Any deviation or inconsistency on your part will easily be seen by Mika as a reason to goof off.